PGCE... did it get easier?

[followthefairytalexx]

Hi guys,

I've been doing my PGCE since september and I am burnt out. I don't eat much in the day anymore I'm up till 11 at least doing work I have no weekends. Does it get easier or is this the life of every teacher?

My mentor says I'm doing really well so I am making progress but it's a lot to deal with at the minute! Any tips or do I need to suck it up?

[Smellbellina]

PGCE gets easier, but then you become an NQT and realise they only trained you for the (the good) half of the job.

[wonderpants]

Yes, it does get better! Not easier, but it is like driving a car. Over time, there are bits you can do less consciously!
Keep going, 3 weeks until Christmas!
Sounds like you have a supportive mentor which makes a big difference. I had one that just constantly criticised me. And to other people outside the classroom within mine and children's earshot!

[AnneTwackie]

Only do what you need to do, if you’re not getting marked for it don’t do it. Don’t try to reinvent the wheel every lesson. Talk to fellow students, swap resources tips etc. I found it to be a 7am to 11pm deal for Pgce and my first year but after that it gets easier. It’s shit though, you’re not alone in struggling

[IgnoranceIsStrength]

Agree it does get easier but yes working long days and usually both weekend days is pretty normal. The work you have to produce for the uni is usually barely looked at so don't waste time on that.

[SansaSnark]

Mine got harder before it got easier last year, but I wasn't working quite as hard as you are at this stage.

Working until 11 isn't sustainable, especially if you have no weekends. Is there anything that could be streamlined? Do you make all resources from scratch- if so could you steal some instead, or make a template you can adapt and re-use? Is there a department scheme of work you can adapt/borrow from for some lessons? Is there any uni paperwork you could "streamline"?

Have you spoken to your mentor and uni tutor about workload- can they offer you any advice? What you're doing at the moment doesn't sound sustainable, and they will want to help you.